2025 Pension Signup Start April 1

Sunday, March 2, 2025

Virtual sign-ups for the Maryland Backstretch Pension Plan have been a success the last few years and will again be available beginning in April with a deadline of June 1, 2025.

Those employed in the care of horses on the backstretch at Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course or the Fair Hill Training Center, including trainers, are eligible to participate. However, the eligible employee must have worked a minimum of 1,000 hours during 2024 and provide documentation to that effect (with a W-2 or 1099 form, or tax return).

Benefits become available when the employee reaches the age of 65, or at age 55 with 25 years in the Plan. More about the program including qualifications is available at: https://mdhorsemen.com.

Please note that even if you have created an account through the John Hancock website or app, you still must complete your online sign-up form each year. 

The MTHA Board of Directors last year reaffirmed its support for the Backstretch Pension Program when it approved $1 million in pension funding for the program.

If you need assistance filling out the online form in English or Español, call Diana Pinones at 410-902-6844, Tom LaMarra at (859) 492-8365 or Jessica Hammond at (301) 776-0404.

Latest Posts

Board Cites Success Of Bonus, Stakes Programs

At its September open meeting, the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA) Board of Directors reviewed the highly successful results of the $600,000 Owner and Developer Bonus Program and the dual-state bred stakes schedule offered this summer to Maryland-based connections during the Laurel Park racing break.

MTHA Increases Minimum Purse Payouts to Support All Starters

The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA) Board of Directors voted unanimously in September to increase purse allocations for finishers from sixth place through last in overnight races.